Udaipur - "The City of Lakes"

Udaipur is famous for its lakes and palaces. It was also the backdrop for many movies, most famously the James Bond "Octopussy". Part of "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was also filmed here. Many celebrities chose Udaipur to hold marriage ceremonies and parties.

Udaipur's most famous palaces are now both hotels although the royal family still lives in one of them, the 'City Palace" (in the background above) which is on the lake shore and looks down on to the white marble  "Lake Hotel". 

The City Palace viewed from the lake.

The Lake Hotel which has featured in many movies. Some bars and restaurants here still screen "Octopussy" every night.

Looking from our hotel rooftop across our pool to the city.

   

We took a cruise on the lake closest to the city, Lake Pichola.  Udaipur is also known as the "Venice of the East" because parts of the city are built onto the lake.

The lakes around Udaipur are actually man-made, created by building dams to divert the water here. The lakes meet the drinking water, irrigation and washing needs of the city.

We went onto Jag Mandir island which also has a hotel that was originally a palace.

Then we visited the City Palace, a huge complex with a museum, hotel, restaurants, and the royal residence.

It also offers great views over the lake and city.

Our hotel wasn't ever a palace, but it could have been:

Our room

Our bathroom. Yes, we were were welcomed with best exotic marigolds.

The outdoor dining area

The rooftop pool